History

Tribal Groups: The Upper Kalispel, Lower Kalispel and Chewelah (who live west of the Chewelah Mountains in Upper Colville Valley) are collectively known as Pend d'Oreille Indians.

The Kalispel Tribe acquired horses early, from the Spanish or other tribes.

For over twenty years 1760-1780 the Kalispel Indians were in conflict with the Blackfeet, Apsaroke, and Sioux tribes. Their raids for horses against the Nez Perce and Yakima increased the conflict. They sought allies with the Spokan Tribe during this time.

The Jesuits established a mission among the tribe in 1841.

In 1855 the tribe ceded land and moved to Jocko Reservation in Montana Territory. Later the tribe was assigned to Kalispel Reservation in Washington.

Brief Timeline

1730: acquired horses

1760-1781: conflict with the Blackfeet, Apsaroke and Sioux - allies with the Spokan Tribe

raids for horses - Nez Perce and Yakima

1841: Jesuits establish a mission

1855-1856: Yakima War

1855: July 16, Treaty

1858: Coeur d'Alene War

1872: reservation established for the Coeur d'Alene, Kalispel

1880: encroachments of non-Indians

1884: Chief Victor sought compensation of lost land and a separate reservation for the Lower Kalispel